Monday's letters: Need new leaders

Monday

Mar 24, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Need new leaders

To the editor: We have an important election on May 6 for our Henderson County commissioners, and we need to elect a commissioner who not only believes in limited government, but also has the small-business experience needed to effectively and efficiently manage and allocate our tax dollars.

To the editor: We have an important election on May 6 for our Henderson County commissioners, and we need to elect a commissioner who not only believes in limited government, but also has the small-business experience needed to effectively and efficiently manage and allocate our tax dollars.We need a commissioner who believes that county government can play a role in improving public education, who has a vision for Henderson County and who will require our local government to have a current strategic plan. We need new ideas and representation from a younger generation of leaders. Andrew Riddle needs our vote for Henderson County Commissioner.M. David ElmoreFlat Rock

To the editor: Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” I have known and worked with Rep. Chuck McGrady for 20 years, first as friend and then as a county commissioner and then as a North Carolina state representative. Have we agreed on every issue? Of course not! Friends can agree to disagree, but Chuck always listened to my point of view. Sometimes he changed to my way of thinking, and sometimes he did not.He has always had the best interest and intentions to make Henderson County and the state of North Carolina the envy of other counties and states. A county and state that we all could be proud of. Where everyone had opportunities to be successful and have a quality of life, second to none. Chuck never to my knowledge ever failed to listen to people with differing views. Compassion for others and the willingness to tackle tough issues are just a couple of Chuck’s strong points. There are so many compelling reasons why Chuck McGrady should continue to be our state representative.

The time is right for all us to do what is right — re-elect Chuck McGrady.Sheriff George H. Erwin Jr. (Retired)Fletcher

To the editor: I was thinking lately about our current political process. Entrenched, uncooperative conservatives stopping any forward movement to solve our problems. Ineffectual, concession-seeking progressives trying to make everyone happy, and the people of America get it in the neck — as always! We will foolishly either vote in a “let the rich have everything trickle down” conservative or get another dithering progressive.I have a 13-year-old son. Your “leadership” has put him and his generation into debt and a dismal future. I would die for my son — this will not stand! We can’t trash the programs that have allowed us to be one of the most just, safe and secure nations on the planet. Yet we can’t keep spending (borrowing) like there is no tomorrow. Greed and disregard for everything other than profit is the problem (always has been). Getting involved and regulation of corporate behavior are the solutions.Tax the rich, rein in the wasteful spending (people are not waste). Third party — maybe. Taking to the streets — probably. Sitting in front of your TV — fat, medicated, ignorant? Both sides are trying to fool and control you, and judging by the state of affairs, it’s working.R. Forrester Simmons

Hendersonville

To the editor: On Feb. 23, Emily Weaver had a most revealing article on the epidemic of painkiller abuse, and its prelude to heroin. The article was on the Sunday front page where no one could miss it, but how many read it?My youngest brother died from an overdose of OxyContin 12 hours after being released from a hospital in Florida with another prescription for the painkiller, which he filled on the way home, despite the doctor knowing of his addiction. He was just 59 years old. As another writer recently asked, why is it our doctors do not seem to care about this insidious addiction and continue to perpetuate it?In 2010, the year my brother died, there were 6,000 deaths in the state of Florida due to painkiller overdoses. Do not think N.C., or Henderson County, cannot reach this horrendous statistic.Doctors, pharmacists and families of those suffering from alcoholism, and/or addiction to prescription drugs need to stop avoiding the problem, get informed, and get help for their loved ones before it’s too late!We commend Anna Huneycutt’s mother for sharing her painful experience in Weaver’s article, and hope others who read it will be forewarned about this life-threatening problem.Mary and Charles Dufner

Hendersonville

To the editor: Springtime is a time many dogs find new homes.Last May, I lost my gorgeous blue merle Pomeranian named Lucy to canine lymphoma at age 5˝. I firmly believe that Lucy was exposed to herbicides containing Agent 2,4-D.There are reports that link Agent 2,4-D to canine lymphoma (www.beyond pesticides.org). These herbicides are found on lawns, golf courses, parks, rest areas as well as agriculture.Lucy was the bravest dog I know. She underwent 13 chemos paid for with the help of friends and grants and went into remission for seven months before the cancer returned.Pets owners, please heed this warning, thus making Lucy’s life even more worthwhile.Brigitta Lawrence